MIAMI, FL – USA Rice was invited to speak at the FECARROZ Executive Board Meeting this week during the 2025 Rice Marketing and Technology Convention. Asiha Grigsby, USA Rice senior director of internation promotion for the Western Hemisphere, led a spirited and productive discussion with the FECARROZ board, many of whom recently participated in a USA Rice-led reverse trade mission through Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas (see
USA Rice Daily, May 9, 2025). Grigsby recapped highlights from the mission, which gave buyers and millers from Central America a close-up look at the U.S. rice industry’s infrastructure, innovation, and commitment to research and development of desirable rice varieties for the Latin American market.
Grigsby also provided an update on the current outlook for the 2025 U.S. rice crop and projected acreage numbers, prompting a dynamic discussion about future supply and trade flows. One of the most pressing issues raised was the increasing infiltration of Asian-origin rice into Central American markets — a development that could have serious implications for U.S. rice exports to the region. Participants explored collaborative strategies to differentiate and promote U.S.-origin rice based on its favorable logistics, reliability, and strong commercial ties.
USA Rice member Randy Ouzts, U.S. rice manager at Nutrien Ag. Solutions, delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled, “Bridging Yield and Quality for the U.S. Rice Market.” His insights underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between agronomic performance and grain quality to ensure long-term competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.
In addition to the board meeting, Grigsby and Karah Janevicius, USA Rice director of trade policy, conducted several bilateral meetings with USA Rice members and Central and South American counterparts throughout the conference, reinforcing longstanding partnerships and putting in valuable face time to strengthen ties with key trade allies.
“Our trade partners in Latin America remain important importers for U.S. rice, and we’re committed to showing up, listening, and working hand-in-hand with them to keep our rice top-of-mind and top-of-market,” said Grigsby.
As global competition intensifies, USA Rice continues to champion the value of U.S.-grown rice while building trust and alignment with international partners — one meeting, one conversation, and one grain at a time.